Cor Vasa 2023, 65(5):777-778 | DOI: 10.33678/cor.2023.035

Diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava: the role of echocardiography

Joana Maria Laranjeira Correia, Vanda Neto, João Fiuza, Gonçalo RM Ferreira, Miguel Correia

Cardiology Department, Tondela-Viseu Hospital Center, Viseu, Portugal

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a rare but the most common thoracic venous anomaly. It results when the left superior cardinal vein caudal to the innominate vein fails to regress and can be associated with other cardiovascular abnormalities. While PLSVC is often asymptomatic, it can cause serious complications during vascular interventional procedures or surgical treatment of cardiac anomalies. Incidental identifica- tion of a dilated coronary sinus on echocardiography should raise the suspicion of PLSVC. The diagnosis should be confirmed by agitated saline contrast echocardiography.

Keywords: Agitated saline contrast, Cardiovascular ultrasound, Echocardiography, Persistent left superior vena cava, Vascular anomaly

Received: December 28, 2022; Revised: December 28, 2022; Accepted: April 15, 2023; Published: October 15, 2023  Show citation